forgottentales_ooc | Test Drive: May 2019

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Test Drive: May 2019

Test Drive: May 2019—

§ instructions.

Welcome to the Test Drive for Forgotten Tales! This is to help interested players test out their characters in the game's setting and see if the essence they have chosen will actually work in game play. There are a number of prompts that try to touch on the kinds of settings and scenarios the characters may encounter. So here are a few things to keep in mind while on the test drive:

Feel free to use the current Workshop for help if you need it! Both the Workshop and the Test Drive are required for Registration.
Participating on the Test Drive does not guarantee a spot on either Claims or Registration.
Check the Character Roster and Essence List to see if your choices are not already taken.
Include Character Name and Canon in the subject line, and note somewhere within the toplevel your character's essence. It can be in the subject line if you already know what it is (so ex; Character | Canon | Essence). Side note: You are free to try more than one essence if you're on the fence. Just make sure to note which one you're using for that particular prompt.
Players are free to assume their characters have been informed of the very basics so you can skip all that if you'd like.
Only the "In the Index" prompts of the Test Drive can be carried over in its entirety, but you can alter the story based ones as "stage play" settings within the Index if you wish to carry over that interaction as well.
Don't forget to refer to the Game Info for how the mechanics work.
Registration will open May 25. Claims will open May 18.

Most of all, have fun! Feel free to invite those you may think would be interested to participate in the test drive.

§ prompts.

¶ I. In the Index. When not out adventuring or playing character roles in stories, the Aspects will have some downtime within the Index, the central hub of the Realm of Stories. Here they can explore the city, read up on other stories, socialize with fellow would-be heroes, learn more about the essence, or even just do nothing at all. Any threads and CR made with "Index" prompts can be carried over into the game.

A. Out in the City. The city is abuzz with high spirits and renewed hopes as another Book has been restored. Informal celebrations and parties are thrown here and there on the streets, while others prepare for sending help and supplies to help refugees return to their homes. With the threat of the Story Eater and its minions at bay, the daily life of the Index is a peaceful one, but not without its own occasional unexpected surprises.
1. Endless Feast. In a city filled with all kinds of storybook characters and magic mixing together, mishaps and chaos are bound to happen. One of them is born from several tables designed to replicate the one said to produce endless amounts of food. Good in theory, especially if it's to be used for impromptu celebrations. However, no one learned from the Porridge Girl and gave the tables a "Stop" command, or specified what kind of food they should produce. From poisoned apples, to running gingerbread men, to curds of whey, and one even managed to conjure a miniature pumpkin carriage. Every type of iconic fairy tale food is appearing from these tables and overflowing the streets, some with a mind of their own. The best way to stop these tables is to the destroy them, but getting there may be the true challenge. Once a table is destroyed the magic will disappear to make the creations lifeless, but until then—good luck.
2. Puss in Boots...? Or so they claim to be. It's a cat, all right, and it's wearing boots. But it's copycat, not the real deal, and in fact it's more than one pulling off these heists. One of them isn't even a cat, it's a weasel! Ranging from petty pickpocket theft to robbing jewelry stores in broad daylight, this band of thieves are making bank off the well known kitty's name. Try and catch all of them, but be wary. Not only do these cats have nine lives, but they know magic.
3. Wild Magic Carpets. It's a whole new world for many people, and as a courtesy some locals are offering newly arrived Aspects a free tour around the city. Some are using the traditional horse and carriage, but others are offering a more wondrous and fantastic means to give a different point of view via large magic carpets. Enchanted with special magic, the once normal rugs can now hover and fly high into the air, carrying their passengers over the city and even beyond to the edge. It's a great ride—until some carpets decide to have a mind on their own. Hang on tight! Whether they just fly off on their own or decide to race each other, these carpets are showing all the wonders sideways and under.
B. Essence Practice. Suddenly inheriting the abilities of another person while losing most of your own at the same time can be quite jarring. Picking a place to test out these newfound powers or even going to the Library to read up on the essence's story may help glean some clues as to what they can do.
C. Try Out the Journal. The journals are unique to this world and the sole source of communication for everyone. Feel free to give it a try, either by sending a random message out or even a doodle.

¶ II. Itsy Bitsy Spider. In this classic nursery rhyme, what seems like a simple set of scenes turns out to be a lot more chaotic than expected. Not only will someone be randomly assigned to take on the role of the Spider, but climbing up that spout is going to be a lot harder than one might think. It's an enormous jagged, metal spire, towering several hundreds of feet high. Each "level" has sharp spikes protruding from the sides, and some portions actually spin in varying directions. There may also be some dark, questionable liquid staining the structure, remnants of cobwebs hanging here and there, some acting as netting to break falls. Of course, anyone is free to climb the "spout" for whatever reason, and encouraged. There are a lot of traps and other threats that lurk about, such as Blots and the Erasers.

A. Climbed Up the Water Spout. Starting from the very bottom, whoever is the Spider will find that they are capable of shooting spider webbing out of the palms of their gloves, and the material is strong enough to act as rope. Perhaps with some assistance they may be able to get through in one piece. Just be careful—there may be traps and spikes randomly shooting out from the sides.
B. Down Came the Rain. Higher up near the spout, thunder clouds form and rumble above them. There are various platforms made of rubber, and the reason for it becomes clear when a bolt of lightning strikes the spout structure. The electricity travels several feet up, down, and all over through the metal. Should anyone be caught, it won't be fatal—but it will be quite painful, as if being hit by a taser. Not only will the Spider have to avoid and continue the climb, but some people may be stationed up top with fire hoses, water guns, and water balloons to aim directly at the Spider to knock them off. However, although the rhyme says the Spider is "washed out," it's possible for the Spider to get through. Alternatively, there are mechanized water cannons dropping gallons of water down, and anyone assisting the spider could try and help take them down.
C. Taking Out the Pests. Aside from the spout itself, there are other threats that will try to hinder and harm those ascending. Blots and Erasers will take on forms ranging from small to large spiders or large flies that buzz around trying to knock people off. The spiders can be taken care of via close combat, but the flies will need either projectiles or magic if they can't be lured in close.

¶ III. Scene Snippets. The following prompts are various scenes styled similarly to those designed for the campaigns. Two characters are randomly assigned a role and must "act out" the scene. It can be assumed they are given the basics, but they are free to act however they wish. There is no real script or set direction, and they will have full access to their Essence abilities. Roles are not gender limited, so go wild. You are also free to create your own scenes or play within the general setting of the provided stories, even if they are not specified. Everything here is just a "guideline" and characters can act and behave however they would if dumped into the setting.

A. Little Red Riding Hood. First set in the forest and later at the cottage, the roles assigned are as following: Little Red, The Wolf, The Huntsman. If someone wants to play the Grandmother, that is optional.
1. Little Red and the Wolf. On her way to her grandmother's house, Little Red encounters the big bad Wolf! But the Wolf is planning the long con, so instead of trying to eat her immediately, he plans to trick her so that he reaches the Grandmother's house first. Will he be successful? Or will Red see through his ploy? Will the story end before it even begins if Red decides to end the Wolf right then and there!? Either way, Red is going to need some help getting through the forest maze, and the only help she has is the Wolf. Beware of any wolf Blots and Erasers that may lurk around.
2. Little Red and the "Grandmother" Wolf. Disguised as the Grandmother, the Wolf waits in bed when Red arrives. From there come the classic, "My what big [ blank ] you have!" lines until finally the Wolf makes his move. Will Red be eaten? Or will the Wolf be the one in trouble?
3. The Wolf vs. the Huntsman. If Red hasn't finished off the Wolf herself, it's time for the Huntsman to appear and play the hero. An epic "duel" is expected, but it can be anything from actual combat to rap battles to a game of checkers. Will the Huntsman beat the Wolf and save the day? Or will it be the Wolf who has a happy ending?
B. Rapunzel. Set in a high tower, the roles some Aspects will be assigned to are the following: Rapunzel, Mother Gothel, the Prince. Fortunately for Rapunzel, the wig is sturdy and will serve as the rope when needed. As for the tower, it's made of rock bricks that can be climbed, if difficult, but there is a secret back door that can be used if found.
1. Rapunzel and the Prince. After living in the tower for most of her life with only Gothel as her mother, Rapunzel will hear someone call to let down her hair. How well the Prince impersonates Gothel is questionable, as well as whether or not Rapunzel lets down her hair. But some way or another, the Prince must find his way up to the top, so get climbing and try to woo her.
2. Rapunzel and Gothel. Eventually Gothel will learn of the Prince's visit and how well (or poorly) that went. Will she be angered and cast Rapunzel out after cutting her hair? Or be actually proud of the girl for snagging a potentially rich husband? Will Rapunzel defend herself or plead for forgiveness? It's all up to you!
3. Gothel and the Prince. At some point the Prince will meet with Gothel, whether by Gothel tricking him to climb up or the Prince hearing of Rapunzel's distress and making his way up on his own. What sort of encounter will they have, and will the Prince be doomed to lose his eyes from falling to the thorny bushes below? Or will there an alternate Disney ending to this tale?
C. Create Your Own! No need to limit to what we provide. If there's a particular story, scene, or even setting that you think would be fun, go for it! You can even use the story your character's essence is from. Other options are any of the scenes and settings from our previous campaigns and side stories.

¶ IV. Mix it up. This is the "wildcard" prompt. Feel free to take any of these prompts and make them more of your own, or pull from an entirely different story. As mentioned you're free to use any of our previous stories or other events. Just have fun with it!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

¶ I.
b.
While he doesn't struggle to read like he used to, before spending so many years in the Dyrwood, and spending time with people such as Kana and Aloth especially, it's still...it's overwhelming, to be surrounded by so many books. No matter how often he visits libraries like this one, he doubts his awe will ever fully fade, nor his quickness to take advantage of it, devouring as much knowledge as he can.

Starting, naturally, with whatever books he can find of this Snow Queen he takes his power from now, and it's not long before he has a stack of several books and anthologies surrounding him on one of the tables. He gets through each of them slowly, losing track of time as he reads, but eventually he sits back in his seat, thoughtful.

"She was lonely," he says after a moment, less to his companion than to himself, and his face softens in sympathy as he puts the book back down on the table. "I do not think she even realized that she was. I've seen it push people to terrible things, and that boy was lucky to be rescued."

c.
It seems a bit silly that a book is supposed to be sending out messages for him, if he's honest. But after studying it, and finding nothing really suspicious...

Hájo?

His handwriting is...shaky, at best. But hopefully it's still legible to anyone reading it. And after a few moments of waiting, Daryn hunches over the journal, brow furrowed in concentration, and starts to...

Well. He starts to sketch out a messy image of something that looks suspiciously like a wolf. Large, thick furred, and with incredibly long teeth. Without Eskel there to take reference of, he can only hope it's as true to memory as possible.

Particularly the dopey face and the lolling tongue.

That is definitely not the image of a vicious beast.

¶ II.
b.
It started out like something of a game for him. One person climbs up the spout, and the rest of them protect that person. A great way to practice his skills, and get a handle on the powers that his essence offered. How to manipulate it to his needs, how far he could push before the icy grip of frost around his heart became too much.

It was easy enough at first, actually, now that he finally had a new bow in hand. Now that he'd figured out how to properly create and maintain it's form and function, how to fire off sturdy arrows of ice, the inky dark blots that pursued them were simple enough to dispatch. Climbing the spout itself took some work, but Daryn found he could also easily provide useful, if chilly, hand and foot holds as needed. For a time.

It stopped being so simple, higher up. Between trying to fire on those manning the water cannons above and trying to shield his struggling companion from worst of the deluge, Daryn almost doesn't notice the deep rumble of thunder rolling above them. Not until the second crack sounds, raising the hair on the back of his neck, and he looks to the sky, eyes wide in alarm.

"Skyt." He throws the bow across his back and quickly leans over the edge of the rubber platform he'd perched himself on, holding out a cold, calloused hand for the "spider" still climbing below. "Come, you need to get on here, now."

Her lips twitch into a small smile, barely there, but often brought on by the one she knows is drawing. The greeting also is a to off.

"Ado, frero." she writes back in a neat, learned script.

"Practicing your artistry?"

Ah! See, there's only one person in the world that calls him that, and suddenly his grin is back as he quickly moves from one sketch to the next. Next to the image of the wolf is an even rougher, much messier attempt at the face of an elf, smiling widely.

It's an awful self portrait, but that's okay.

"Systir! This is amazing, how have we never had this at home?"

"No one has invented it yet."

Of course. Perhaps she could speak with an Animancer when they return home. Surely a Cipher and an Animancer could replicate such magical communication. She wouldn't even want any credit. Just two books; one for Daryn, and one for herself.

"Is that supposed to be you?"

Edited 2019-05-12 04:32 (UTC)

They seem to be of one mind on that, because it's exactly where Daryn's mind jumps to as well, his handwriting coming more hurried and excited.

"Well, I know a woman who knows several other women. All animancers that would be VERY curious of this." Maybe not Ydwin herself, sadly, but her colleagues? There was no way any of them would be able to turn down engineering something like this.

Even if, somehow, he and Evora had to be apart, they wouldn't be.

There's a pause after, though, as he stares at the page, and a few moments before he sheepishly writes back.

"Of course! Who else would it be."

Daryn, that whole scribbled mess barely looks like a person.

They're generally of a mind, which is a great comfort.

"Ydwin. Will I like her?" She expects that at some point, she will meet this woman, since he has. Either by herself, in her own Turn, or by remaining with her soul twin.

And yes, it's will Evora like her, not the other way around. Evora knows she's hard to really like, Aloth and Edér notwithstanding.

"She is"

The words don't continue, though, as he pauses again, chewing his lip in thought. He knows what Evora is asking, phrasing it that way, and even he can't pretend that Ydwin, as icy cold and distant as his twin, would be warm and welcoming to...well. Ydwin isn't exactly warm and welcoming to anyone, is she? There's not really a polite way to put it.

"extreme." Another brief pause as he thinks, and then with a sigh, he continues writing.

"But she is brilliant, and dedicated to her work. I think you will appreciate her."

"That is acceptable."

Appreciate is a fine word. And if she's as efficient and aloof as he feels she is, Evora may just like the woman, after all. Who better to appreciate a cold demeanor than a person with one themselves?

"How are you feeling?"

Such a mild question, but she's aware of his Essence. She read the story right off, so she knows what potential issues may come with the Snow Queen.

"I am feeling fine!" Should he not be? He's not sure that Evora would be asking if she didn't have a reason, but for the life of him he just...can't see what the reason would be. "I do miss everyone, but I think I'm still alright. Better than I have in a long time, actually, with you being here.."

And that's the truth of it. Since finding her here, he's...there's been a warmth in hi soul he can't say he's felt before, honestly. A sense of belonging much like the sort he feels with Aloth, with Edér, with every one of his friends, except now it burns at a brighter intensity than he's ever known.

"And you? You are alright as well?" At least it's hard to see concern through writing. Something he's finding himself grateful for now.

She would mirror such feelings. Aloth and Edér were her closest friends, but the instant connection with Daryn was beyond any bond, she's ever known. Even her beloved pets. To belong, so completely, still rocks her, if she thinks on it for long.

"I am adjusting." No lies for Daryn, but also she doesn't want to complain over much. The wings are an... inconvenience. But she'll make it work.

"I miss my ciphering abilities, though."

Edited 2019-05-18 22:47 (UTC)

"I also miss my abilities. No shifting. No lightning. And I feel like I'm a new initiated pup again, trying to learn to control everything else."

"But we will make the best of it, ja? We always do."

"Ac, we do."

But perhaps it would be better now, with one another.

After a moment, a shape appears. A circle, and then two triangles, more. She draws a cat, to join his wolf.

[Roxas sometimes helps out in the library, restocking books and in general helping keep things in order. Today he's there again, and he notices the newcomer slowly work his way through a collection of books around him. He would approach, but he looks to be too engrossed in the book, so Roxas leaves him be.]

[When he finally lowers the book and speaks up, Roxas deems it okay to approach.]

It's kind of like that with some of the essences here. They may seem strange or frightening, but they do things for a reason.

[Daryn looks up at the voice, only a little startled. Gods, he must have been completely distracted, to not even noticed he had company. He glances over at the young man for a moment, before he nods, looking back down at the book with an unreadable expression, brow furrowed.]

I've noticed that with several. It is... [He pauses, for a heartbeat, struggling to find the right word.]

It's sad seeing someone pick such a path thinking it's the right one.

[A thoughtful look crosses his face. He knows that feeling, very well. He's not only seen friends pushed to make such decisions, but he's also been in that position himself.]

Maybe they thought they didn't have any other choice.

[Ah. That seems to strike a chord with him, and Daryn's smile is small and sympathetic when he looks over to the young man. It's a shame that his Watcher abilities seem to be dormant in this place, because that certainly sounds like someone who speaks from experience.]

Ja. You may be right. Like my people. [Because it was definitely eye opening, leaving the White and seeing how peacefully the people of other countries could live with each other. And he knows he himself isn't exactly a pillar of goodness, that the choices he's made haven't always been the best path, though he's always tried.]

[Thoughts for another time, maybe. For now he turns away from his pile of books to face the other boy more fully, his smile just a little brighter.]

Ah, and I've seen you around before, I think. I am Daryn, and...Eskel was here, somewhere...

[Roxas looks up at that comment.]

Like your people?

[He's curious to what he means, but doesn't really know if it's a topic that the other would want to breach. Instead, he offers a smile of his own.]

I'm Roxas. Is Eskel your friend?

[Daryn nods, eagerly, though the enthusiasm subsides a bit when another look around reveals that...nope. No Eskel anywhere to be found, and he can only hope that the wolf isn't causing trouble somewhere behind his back.]

My oldest friend. We've been together since we were pups.

If you find a white wolf, about... [He pauses again. Repeats something in his native tongue somewhat thoughtfully, before he holds a hand about three feet from the ground.] About so high. That is him. And he's usually friendly, so no need to panic.

A wolf?

[He's surprised that Daryn's friend is a wolf, but then again, it sounds like a friendly wolf. He nods.]

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for him. [Though, hopefully he doesn't cause problems with the people in the Index.]

How did you become friends with a wolf?

Through disaster is how.

[...honestly, he probably shouldn't still be grinning when giving an answer like that. But it sobers quickly enough, even while it doesn't leave his face entirely.]

My tribe and I, we fell into trouble hunting one day. Found another tribe of hungry glamfellen that wanted to... Well, they wanted resources. And a hungrier pack of wolves was following them, and we sort of were caught in between. [There's a lot of gesturing as he talks, telling the story as much through body language as through words. And from the tone, it seems such a story isn't entirely uncommon for him, either.]

I found him after the fighting and brought him back to our camp. He was just a pup, so small and frail and scared. I wasn't going to leave him. Is it not common, having wolves were you're from?

[It's a silly question to ask, and he knows it. It's not even common for them. But he knows what other kith tend to think of the wild and untamed south, so why ruin their fun?]

[Rather than think the gesturing and inflection was odd, Roxas thinks it's fascinating. It's quite interesting to watch how animated Daryn was when he spoke. It almost reminded him of his friend Hayner, who often used his whole body to help emphasize a tale he was telling.]

That's really kind of you to do. No wonder you're friends. [The question makes him shake his head.]

Not really, no. I'm from a city, so there's not many animals around. Other than things like dogs, cats, or birds, that is.

[Oh. Well, Daryn doesn't look disappointed, but he definitely looks a little more sympathetic, hearing that.]

That's too bad. Cities are nice, but I'll take tundra wildlife over nobility and guards any time.

What's it like, then, where you're from?

Edited 2019-05-28 05:11 (UTC)

Well, there aren't many nobility or guards in Twilight Town. Unless you count Seifer and his gang.

[Though, to be fair, Seifer and his group still acted more like the town bullies, for all their claiming to be 'enforcing discipline'.]

It's a really nice place. It's a quiet town, and all the buildings are pretty cramped together. There aren't many parks, but there's the Sandlot if you want to have a Struggle match, and Sunset Terrace has some nice open areas. But there are a bunch of shops to check out, and you can get almost anywhere if you take one of the trams. And if you get a good view, the sunset is the best I've ever seen.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive: May 2019

Daryn, The Watcher | Pillars of Eternity | The Snow Queen

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